DFA downplays Chinese scholars' Batanes claim, says government policy-not academic views-matters
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has dismissed claims by Chinese academics that Batanes is part of China, stating that the government only recognizes official state positions. Officials emphasized that the Philippines remains committed to the 2016 Arbitral Award despite ongoing academic and historical disputes.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing territorial tensions in the South China Sea and the Philippines' strategy of distinguishing between academic rhetoric and official Chinese government policy.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro brushed aside Chinese academics' claims that Batanes belongs to China, saying the Philippine government deals with official state positions rather than the views of individual scholars.
The article presents the government's official stance while providing context on the origin of the controversy.
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